applynow

Cost of living in Australia

Compare the cost of your home country to the actual living costs in Australia, simply select your home currency and see the difference!

All data is kept up to date by local members and actual students. Our latest update was on: 1st of January 2019

Please help us improve this list by submitting your Feedback on your right!

Food Price in £
12 eggs dozen, large 12.50 EUR
1 beer pint in local shops, markets 7 EUR
1 kg of tomatoes 8.50 EUR
Full chicken 2kg 38.75 EUR
1litre 100% fruit juice 8.50 EUR
1 package of cigarettes imported brands 25 EUR
1 kg (2 lb.) of apples 7.50 EUR
1 bottle of red table wine, good quality 48.95 EUR
2.5 liters of Coca-Cola 0.95 EUR
1 Bread loaf standard 9.50 EUR
Whole fat Yogurt. 500ml 12 EUR
1x6 pack Dardanelle tuna 18.50 EUR
Heinz baked beans 1 tin 8 EUR
1.5 kg Sugar 10 EUR
2 liter cooking oil 20 EUR
Yum-yum noodles per pack 2.00 EUR
1 kg (2 lb.) of potatoes 5.50 EUR
1 liter milk 8.50 EUR
Fast food restaurant large serving/ take away 25 EUR
Housing
Utilities per month (water, electricity, gas) for 2 people in flat 165 EUR
Wi-Fi monthly fee 8 Mbps (1 month) 145 EUR
Laundry detergent (bleach, sunlight liquid, washing surf… altogether) 58.50 EUR
House Cleaning fee per day 105 EUR
Large Gas heater price range upwards. 200 EUR
Original branded Electric Fans 200 EUR
Original branded Electric kettle. 120 EUR
40 inches Beko flat screen HD TV set 2000 EUR
Single bed Blankets 120 EUR
Personal Care
Avon for women and men cologne 100 EUR
Ladies hair plaiting. 60 EUR
Ladies Sanitaryware (Pads and Tampoons) 18 EUR
Men's haircut 40 EUR
Ibuprofen, Panadol, Grandpa Pain killers box of 12 dosses 24.50 EUR
Mobile package local network providers’ talk-time, data and messages 65 EUR
1 month of gym subscription. 105 EUR
Earphones original (Samsung. iPhone) 90 EUR
Unisex Loris perfume 30 EUR
Gadgets maintenance and repairs (cellphone, laptops, tablets...) starting price. 100 EUR
Smart phones (Samsung, Xiaomi, HTC, IPhone) price range upwards 1000 EUR
Laptops (Samsung, Lenovo, Hp, Monster, Dell etc.) price range upwards 3000 EUR
Entertainment
Boat cruise with refreshments and finger snacks 120 EUR
Go carting 30mins 120 EUR
Movie House 3d cinema 30 EUR
Summer Festivals (jet, bumper cars, lucky deep ...(per ticket) 15 EUR
Photo shoot 120 EUR
Cappuccino / expresso/ coffee 12.50 EUR
3 course dinner local restaurant two people 96.50 EUR
3 course dinner classy, exotic restaurant two people 150 EUR
Play station 4 console without games. 2000 EUR
Spalding Basketball 200 EUR
Original branded Racket and Wilson’s tennis balls 500 EUR
Transportation
Taxi fare on average 5-10km 45 EUR
Public transport per trip one way maximum fare 30 EUR
1 liter petrol/diesel 6.50 EUR
1 day rent a car cost 140 EUR
Driver’s license 2300 EUR
Clothes
1 pair of jeans (Denim or similar) 150 EUR
1 pair of men’s formal shoes 215 EUR
1 pair original sport/casual shoes (Nike, Adidas, or equivalent brands) 280 EUR
1 classy summer dress (Zara, H&M or similar retailers) 135.79 EUR
Ladies formal shoes original and durable 120 EUR
Back-pack, gym bag (Nike, Adidas, New balance) 150 EUR

One of the most frequent questions we get from students is what would be the living expenses as an overseas student in Australia. Living costs for students, in general, are dependent on two major factors; the city they live and their personal lifestyle choices.

The first major expense is Accommodation; In selecting suitable housing as a student one must consider choosing to reside in the city center or in suburban areas. Rent is heavily dependent on the location within the city.

Two major options for foreign students in terms of off-campus housing include;

Private rentals where the student rents a one-bedroom apartment or a studio, and shared apartments where the student shares the space with other people. The cost of these two comes to somewhere around $120 to $200 per week which comes up to $500 - $800 every month.

Another option is managed student housing or private dormitories which cost about $200 to $400 per week and translates to around $800 up to $1,600 per month.

The second major expense is Food, and eating out in Australia is quite expensive, we suggest that you learn how to cook and try to cook at home as much as you can if you want to save costs. Eating on a budget can cost at least $10 per typical meal outside which comes around $300 per month. Additionally, grocery shopping in a month can be between $120 to $180 depending on individual dietary needs.

In some cases, Utilities may not be included in the rental agreement and are paid separately. Utilities like electricity, gas, internet, and water can cost around $60 to $100 every month. Students living in shared accommodation get to pay considerably lower as the bills are split equally.

The next significant expense is Transportation; public transport in Australia is very effective and traveling around the city is very seamless. Australia has one f the best public transport systems in the world which include trains, trams, and buses. The cost of public transport can vary depending on the city the student resides in. Buses and other means of transport can cost around $70 to $200 in a month inclusive of many student deals.

One efficient means of moving around for students is by cycling. Bicycle transport is very common on campuses and many student communities across Australia, not only for how cost-effective they are but also for environmental concerns. The cost of a used bike for a first time user ranges from $100 to $200 and is a very food investment with long-term benefits.

Another expense is Phone/Mobile Expenses; typically a prepaid sim or student plan in Australia can cost you $25 - $40 per monthly usage. Likewise, there are phone contracts or postpaid plans which cost $50 - $100 per monthly usage.

  • Tip: We strongly advise the student plans as they are non-binding and just better for foreign students.

Other Miscellaneous expenses include,

  • Grooming expenses: $10- $30 per visit (Male); $25 - $60 per visit (Female)
  • Gym expenses: $60 - $80 per monthly membership
  • Entertainment expenses:
  • Movie tickets - $20 per ticket
  • Sporting events – $30 - $50 per weekly games

It might be safe to say that the average student would dole out around $700 to $1,000 for their living expenses in Australia. This figure now comes up to $8,500 to $12,000 for a foreign student’s living expenses in a year.

Please note that all these amounts are in Australian dollars (AUD) not in U.S dollars which is more common. Please check the current conversion rates if you need to convert to your local currency.